COA welcomes deputy director
Date: 10/17/2012
By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.comWEST SPRINGFIELD — Oct. 10 marked the one-month anniversary of the new deputy director, James Leyden, of the Council on Aging (COA) and the senior center.
"In my short time here, I've been doing a little bit of everything from assisting with payroll to talking with the people [patrons of the senior center] and getting to know them. It's an exciting job and an exciting place a great organization with wonderful people and programs," Leyden said.
Laurie Cassidy, executive director for the COA and senior center, welcomed Leyden. "He's a truly wonderful addition to our staff — it's a true partnership," she said. "He has a wealth of experience and knowledge that he brings to our center."
Mayor Gregory Neffinger offered his first impression of Leyden. "I'm very excited that we have a deputy director," he said. "He has excellent experience and is an asset to the center."
Cassidy added, "We constantly strive to serve the very diverse needs of the older adult population. New to our center will be off-site programming, which will expand our capacity to serve the community. I would also like to forge collaborations with community partners [local businesses and service centers] to engage with the community."
Leyden would also like to expand the center to its full potential. "In 2013, I'd like to incorporate social events with educational seminars. [For example], people would attend a social event [like a concert for example] and within a week return for an educational event. My goal is to help offer all types of programs, on- and off-site that attract an intergenerational audience," he continued.
Previously, Leyden served as program coordinator for 12 years at the Chicopee COA, where he handled "all aspects of programming and development."
